PR45P
SURGICAL MANAGEMENT FOLLOWING SEAT‐BELT INJURY TO THE FEMALE BREAST

• Published in: ANZ journal of surgery Vol. 79; no. s1; p. A63
• Main Authors: Paddle, A. M., Morrison, W. A.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Melbourne, Australia Blackwell Publishing Asia 01.05.2009
• ISSN: 1445-1433; 1445-2197
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1445-2197.2009.04927_45.x

Background:   With the use of the three‐point lap‐diagonal seat belt restraint there has been a reduction in the number of deaths caused by automobile trauma. However, with the use of a restraint, a new pattern of injuries has emerged. The “seat‐belt syndrome” comprises a constellation of injuries including soft tissue injury to the breast. Given that seat‐belt legislation is becoming more widespread, it is likely that the incidence and reporting of these injuries will become more common. In this paper, we provide an overview of the reported literature regarding three‐point lap‐diagonal seat belt injury to the female breast. We then discuss the previously unreported area of breast reconstruction in a breast deformed as a result of blunt trauma, using a specific case as an example. Methods:   A Medline search was undertaken and all available reported literature, related to seat‐belt associated breast trauma, reviewed. Results:   A concise summary of the varied clinical and radiological presentations is given, as is their suggested management. Subsequently highlighted is the paucity of literature discussing the breast reconstruction options for a breast deformed by blunt trauma and thus, this issue is discussed using a specific case as an example. Conclusions:   Blunt breast trauma secondary to seat‐belt restraint is not only likely to become more common, but can be severe in its functional, psycho‐social and aesthetic impact. This paper provides a new adjunct to the currently reported literature, especially in the area of plastic surgical reconstruction of a breast deformed by blunt trauma.